South Africa Responds to Ayra Starr Visa Claims Amid Tyla Backlash

South Africa Responds to Ayra Starr Visa Claims Amid Tyla Backlash

South Africa’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria has responded to claims that Nigerian music star Ayra Starr and members of her team were denied visas, saying there is no official record to support the allegation.

Speaking in an interview with The Punch, South Africa’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Professor Bobby Moroe, said authorities could not verify reports of a visa refusal because no application matching the claims had been identified.

He explained that anyone insisting the singer or her team was denied entry should provide details such as the names of the applicants and their visa reference numbers to enable officials investigate the matter.

The clarification comes after the alleged visa denial triggered widespread criticism in Nigeria, with politicians, entertainers and social media users expressing anger over what many described as another sign of poor treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

The controversy also spilled into the entertainment industry, with some public figures urging the Federal Government to stop South African artistes from performing in Nigeria until concerns over xenophobic attacks and the treatment of Nigerians are addressed.

Amid the growing backlash, Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla quietly disappeared from the Lagos stop of her APOP World Tour, fuelling speculation that the concert had been shelved because of the public outrage.

While emotions continue to run high, South African officials insist they are prepared to examine the claims once verifiable information is provided, maintaining that no confirmed visa rejection involving Ayra Starr has been found in their records.